Documentary Archives - Page 12 of 63

Vince Vaughn and Jason Hehir introduce us to “The ’85 Bears”

January 6, 2016 Barb Oates

ESPN took the stage at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour in Pasadena with an impressive lineup of new 30 For 30 films planned for the first part of 2016. Joining ESPN execs was Vince Vaughn and Emmy winning producer/director Jason Hehir (The Fab Five) who discussed their passion project, The ’85 Bears, airing Feb. 4 at 9pm ET. The film is a fresh yet nostalgic look at one of the most iconic teams in NFL history — the Super Bowl XX champion 1985 Chicago Bears. “I wanted to personalize these guys who are seen as giants among men […]

NFL Network’s The Timeline debuts with “Favre Returns”

December 3, 2015 Ryan Berenz

NFL Network presents new documentary series The Timeline, chronicling important moments and milestones in NFL history. The first episode, “Favre Returns,” begins after the Packers at Lions Thursday Night Football game Dec. 3 and takes a behind-the-scenes look at Brett Favre’s induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in July. Other episodes in the series are: Tuesday, Dec. 8 “Jersey Guys” NFL Network, 8pm ET NFL Network’s documentary series on pivotal moments in league history continues with this look at the long and difficult process that the New York Football Giants underwent in moving to Giants Stadium at […]

Showtime’s “Spymasters” goes inside Langley

November 28, 2015 Jeff Pfeiffer

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has long been shrouded in secrecy and controversy, with much of what average people know about it gleaned from probably-not-entirely-accurate movies and TV shows. In recent years, concerns about the government spying not only on our enemies but also on our allies — and even on citizens — have put groups like the CIA into the spotlight more and more. The new Showtime documentary Spymasters — CIA in the Crosshairs looks to shed further light on the organization. The film, narrated by Homeland star Mandy Patinkin, was written by Chris Whipple, who also wrote the […]

Racing Extinction effectively chronicles natural devastation facing our planet

November 27, 2015 Jeff Pfeiffer

“Racing Extinction is required viewing for all citizens of the world,” said John Hoffman, executive vice president of Discovery Channel’s Documentaries and Specials division. The quote at first seemed like typical press-release hyperbole, but upon viewing the film, I have to agree. No matter what your political biases may be toward topics such as climate change, hunting endangered animals, destruction of natural habitats or other environmental issues, Racing Extinction should engage you with its sobering, at times bleak, look at the devastation facing our planet. It seems that in the “race” against extinction — not only the extinction of other […]

Uncorked episode 3 recap

November 24, 2015 Ruth Boulet

There’s another mini-Master Sommelier exam happening in Uncorked episode 3. Jane & Jon talking about the test, which is now 6 weeks out. Dana for some reason heads out to the Pebble Beach Food & Wine event with Master Sommelier Alex. Yannick is doing a tasting test with a master sommelier, Pascaline LePeltier. He also introduces us to The Grid – what the tester uses to document all of the characteristics the student is describing in the wine. He finds out he goes too fast & cruises over aspects of the wine that are important. Pffft…. Argentinian Malbec… please. Jane […]

Uncorked episode 2 recap: I would probably drop the glasses too

November 17, 2015 Ruth Boulet

We’re now 2 months out from the Master Sommelier exam in Uncorked episode 2. Some hopefuls are preparing for the Top Somm competition, while others are working on a wine fundraiser. Dana and Morgan set up a practice service experience with Alex, a Master Sommelier. He challenges Dana by questioning just about every single wine suggestion he offers. No California wines! I was just in Australia! I had bad jamon once – no Spanish wines. He’s relishing being THAT GUY at a restaurant. Dana is then called out for not pouring the wine for the ladies first at the table. […]

Uncorked Premiere Episode Recap

November 10, 2015 Ruth Boulet

What do you think of when you think of wine? How tasty it is? How snobby it can be? The funny sounds people make while they’re tasting? Not drinking effing merlot? Uncorked premiere episode introduces us to the Master Sommelier test & 6 people preparing for an exam that will make their careers. It is also an exam that very few people (like around 200) have actually passed in its 40-some year history. Because of how hard this exam is, I’m assuming that we may see someone pass the exam, or we may not which is kind of unusual for […]

The Curse of Oak Island season 3 preview: Biggest & most expensive dig yet

November 9, 2015 Barb Oates

The game is afoot. One of History’s top-rated shows —The Curse of Oak Island — returns for Season 3 on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 9pmET/8pmCT. The documentary series follows Michigan brothers Marty and Rick Lagina, who acquired a stake in ownership of the legendary Oak Island with big-time hopes of uncovering some sought-after historical treasures (think Indiana Jones’ like treasures — the Holy Grail, the Ark of the Covenant) and potentially big-time payouts. What’s amazing about the 200-year history of the Island is that no one knows exactly what they are looking for, and this blind search has claimed millions […]

ABORT MISSION! “Secret Space Escapes” documents close calls above Earth

November 6, 2015 Ryan Berenz

Recounting space missions as recent as 2013, Science Channel’s new series Secret Space Escapes, premiering Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 10pm ET/PT, tells of the terrifying accidents, fights for survival and stories of close calls and near misses by the astronauts who survived them, and the people in mission control who helped each team avert disaster. Video preview: Press release from Science Channel: SCIENCE CHANNEL PREMIERES SECRET SPACE ESCAPES ON NOVEMBER 10 AT 10PM All-new Series Reveals Inspiring Accounts of Survival and Resourcefulness in the Space Age What’s it like to leave earth to explore the unknown? How does it feel to be […]

HBO’s “Kareem: Minority of One” an ode to the NBA’s all-time leading scorer

November 3, 2015 Ryan Berenz

Liev Schreiber narrates the HBO original documentary Kareem: Minority of One, premiering Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 10pm ET/PT, about basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer who played with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers from 1969-89. This HBO exclusive film marks the first time Abdul-Jabbar has participated in a documentary about his life story. Interviews include Pat Riley, Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Jerry West, Bill Walton, Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson and Billy Crystal. “Kareem waited more than 20 years to tell his story and we’re delighted to present it on the HBO platform,” says producer Deborah Morales, […]